The Turbo Wagon

Year/Make/Model : 2003 Mazda Protege5
Engine : 2.0 FSDE, stock internals SR Motorsports cams, 626 single runner intake, phenolic intake spacer
Transmission : 5 speed manual trans, 7.5lb Fidanza flywheel, TWM Ball bearing/short throw shifter, TWM weighted shift knob
Turbo : T3/T4 Hybrid, Perrin FMIC, custom intake/exhaust piping 35MM OBX external wastegate, OBX Turbo manifold, Hallman manual boost controller
Suspension : Random brand lowering springs/struts
Brakes : Stock
Wheels/Tires : 16" Enkei J10's/BFGoodrich Super Sport tires

As an automotive enthusiast I've always strived to differentiate myself from the norm and do things my own way. During my adventures I've learned a lot of wrong ways to build a turbo car, a lot of places not to buy parts, and how easy I can brake things(HKS SSQV Anyone?). I have to say though, this build has been the most fun I've ever had with a car and has given me some of the best drives through the country, and certainly some of the best kill stories I've had. This is a project that no matter how much I talk about it I don't think I can ever bring myself to sell it or give up on it.

As it say when I bought it.

When I purchased the car there was a lot of groundwork already done for me, enough for me to take off running. During the last 5 years I've replaced most of the work that was already done besides some essential pieces. When I bought the car it had a GT25R turbo off the Mazdaspeed Protege but after a few years I decided that wasn't enough. In the meantime before getting into the heavy modifications, I had a lot of first experiences. My first car show...

At "Car Tunes on Main" with Jordan's Sentra

My first photoshoot...

And my first drag racing ticket...sorry, no pictures of that one ladies and gents.

Overall this car has expanded on my love of the hobby. It has shown me the true joy of the hard work and satisfaction from working on your own car and making something your own. This car has given me the inspiration and love for cars everywhere and the work everyone puts into them, and inspired me to show everyone the appreciation they deserve on this blog. We all spend countless hours researching and even more working on our cars. More money than we'd all like to admit on them, but it's worth it on those warm summer nights cruising through town with the windows down and I encourage you all to continue on your chosen path and stick with what you like, don't mold your car after what everyone else wants it to be or thinks is the "right way" to build a car. Be your own person, and build your own car.

Old and New Turbos

As the car sits now, I've replaced the turbo and put a custom exhaust and intake piping on the car and will continue to work on the car as much as I can. Within the next few weeks, I hope to unveil the car to everyone and show you what it can(hopefully) really do.

Thank you everyone for your support, and thank you to my beautiful fiance for allowing me to continue on with my favorite hobby. I hope to see everyone out this season so we can ALL appreciate each others work together. I also appreciate your continued support for my new blog and all the kind things you've said and the articles you've shared!